Newsletter
2nd December 2016
Dear parents, carers, staff and friends,
News this week
Yesterday, the children from 1st to 6th Class were surprised with a very special theatre performance. Arty-Fact Theatre brought their set, lights and wonderful actors and puppets to tell the ‘Grimm Tales’ stories. It was just what we needed to get us into the Christmas spirit!
Primary Language Curriculum
School was closed on Monday so that teachers could attend a training session on the new Primary Language Curriculum. This new curriculum is for all children in Ireland. Our focus for this year is on ‘oral language’, how children listen and speak in English and Gaeilge.
We spent time thinking about the aspects of teaching and learning that are working well in our school, the challenges we have and ways we can overcome them. Our facilitator from the Primary Development Service for Teachers (PDST) shared resources and good practice with us. Our teachers will be beginning to implement the new curriculum in oral language for Infants, 1st and 2nd Classes over the coming months.
Christmas Celebrations
We will be having a very special ‘Christmas Fair’ on Tuesday, 20th December this year. There will be games and stalls, food and drinks, an enormous raffle, performances from the children and maybe even a visit from Santa! Look out for more information over the coming week.
Dates for your diary
4th December – Family Mass at 11.45 a.m.
7th December – 3rd and 6th Class to Sean O’Casey theatre – Marino Institute
13th December – Basketball Ireland visit
15th December – 1st Class to ‘The Snowman’ in the Ilac Library
Sunday, 18th December – Parish Carol Service
20th December – Christmas Fair
Thursday, 22nd December – School Closes for Christmas Holiday
Monday, 9th January – School Re-opens
Attendance and punctuality
We had a great end to November, with overall attendance across the school of 95.9%. This means we have reached our target of 95% every month so far this year – well done to everyone who is making such a big effort to come to school on time each day.
The best attendance this week goes to 3rd Class with 100% – two weeks in a row! Well done children!
In second place were 2nd and 5th Classes with 98.9%, and a whole string of classes on 97% – both Junior Infants, Ms McDevitt’s Senior Infants, Ms. Calvey’s Class and 4th Class!
And finally…
As the days get colder, please continue to remind your child to wrap up warmly when going outside to keep colds and coughs at bay.
Enjoy your weekend!
Éadaoin Kelly
Principal
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